The United States overcame a 1-0 deficit to beat Slovenia 3-1 in the last 16 of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship on Monday, setting up a quarterfinal clash against Bulgaria who eased past Portugal in straight sets.

The USA managed three wins out of three in the group stage, while Slovenia finished second to Bulgaria in Pool E.

In the first set, Slovenia broke away with an 11-6 lead after six points in a row and managed to stay ahead and close the set by a six-point margin.

Jeffrey Jendryk II (Front R) of the United States competes against Jan Kozamernik (L) of Slovenia during the round of 16 match between the United States and Slovenia at the FIVB Men's World Championship 2025 in Pasay City, the Philippines, Sept. 22, 2025. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)

The USA fought back in the following set to open a wide lead, although Slovenia denied three set points before outside hitter Jordan Ewert squeezed the ball between the block and the net to convert the fourth.

Riding the momentum, the Americans stayed well in control of the third set and it was Ewert again who delivered the set winner. The USA continued dominating in set four until opposite Gabriel Garcia fired a blistering ace to end the game at 3-1 (19-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-20).

"We are staying alive, going to the next round. I think that's kind of the heartbeat of this team, just find a way to win! It didn't always look pretty tonight, but we got it done when it counted, and there is a ton of credit to the guys for staying mature, staying focused in those big moments," the USA's captain Micah Christenson said via VBTV.

Elsewhere, Bulgaria made short work of Portugal 25-19, 25-23 and 25-13. The Bulgarians owned the net and outplayed Portugal in both offense, by 37-23 in spike kills, and net defense, by 11-2 in kill blocks.

Swinging at a 55% success rate, 21-year-old star outside hitter Aleksandar Nikolov produced 17 spike kills and added one ace and one block towards a match-high 19 points.